Tony Abbott increases campaign for coal-fired power stations

Former Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, has stepped up his campaign to force the Turnbull government to guarantee new power stations in its energy policy.

Mr Abbott said he "fears we are sleep walking towards deindustrialising the country.

"And that would be disastrous," Mr Abbott told Sydney's 2GB.

Tony Abbott steps up push for coal in energy debate. (AAP) (AAP)

"We've got to get new coal fired power into the system if we're going to be a country that makes things."

Mr Abbott, and a small group of fellow coalition conservatives argue the government's National Energy Guarantee favour "unreliable" renewable power sources and doesn't allow for incentives to develop what they say are cheaper, more reliable coal, has, or uranium sources.

"There are still members of the government who are fighting to keep power bills down and fighting to keep jobs safe," he said.

"That is the first duty of your parliament. That is the first duty of your representatives.